Eckhart Acquires Polker Design Services

LANSING, MI – December 7, 2017 – Eckhart, Inc. announced today that it has acquired Polker Design Services (“Polker”). Eckhart designs and manufactures advanced manufacturing solutions for the world’s largest industrial companies. Eckhart’s suite of solutions includes autonomous guided vehicles, automated assembly systems, robotics, 3D printing, and specialized ergonomic assembly line tools and equipment. Eckhart has been a portfolio company of Nashville-based LFM Capital since 2015. Polker is Eckhart’s second acquisition. Eckhart acquired Autocraft in July 2016.

Polker Design Services, founded by Art Polker in 1988, specializes in designing highly flexible automated manufacturing and robotic assembly systems for blue-chip customers in a variety of end markets. The company’s specialties include mechanical design, robotic simulation, and lean manufacturing for MIG weld systems, pierce units, automatic and robotic resistance, weld guns, and checking/drill fixtures. Art Polker, founder of Polker Design Services, commented, “I am excited to partner with a company committed to embracing Industry 4.0 and the advanced technologies that are reshaping the manufacturing landscape. From autonomous guided vehicles to highly automated assembly systems, our joint team believes we can bring an unprecedented level of value to end customers across multiple industries.” Art continued, “I was looking for business partners committed to being good stewards of the business and chose to partner with LFM Capital and the Eckhart team because of their direct knowledge and experience in our business and their overall long-term commitment to our employees.”

Eckhart President & CEO Andy Storm said, “This acquisition demonstrates our ongoing commitment to expand our design capability and accelerate our efforts to provide end-customers with a broader suite of advanced manufacturing solutions. Many Polker employees have over 40 years of industry experience designing complex and highly automated manufacturing systems. As the industrial landscape is disrupted by new technology, we believe the depth and breadth of experience created through this acquisition will help both teams bring accelerated levels of innovation and value to end customers. Polker adds specific industrial engineering capabilities that will complement unprecedented growth in our autonomous guided vehicle business and also provides expertise in robotic cell engineering. Our collective team is now able to take on complex robotic systems projects and integration with the highest level of quality and service in the industry.”

About Eckhart, Inc.Founded in 1974 and based in Lansing, Michigan, Eckhart, Inc. engineers advanced industrial solutions that enhance the quality of life. Eckhart’s proven portfolio of advanced manufacturing technology includes market-leading autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), collaborative robotic systems, traditional robotics, additive manufacturing tool development & production, and ergonomic general assembly tooling solutions for the world’s largest manufacturers. Eckhart serves an established and loyal, blue-chip customer base of leading automotive and industrial original equipment manufacturers that include Stryker Medical, General Electric, Ford, Tesla, PACCAR, John Deere, Bradford White, and Caterpillar. For additional information, please visit www.eckhartusa.com.

About LFM CapitalLFM Capital is a Nashville-based private equity firm focused on private lower middle-market U.S. manufacturing and industrial services companies with outstanding growth prospects. LFM currently manages a $110 million private equity fund that targets lead or control investments in market-leading niche manufacturing and industrial services companies with enterprise values in the range of $15 million to $75 million. The LFM team is led by experienced and successful Fortune 50 global executive managers and private equity professionals who bring decades of management leadership, operating best practices, exceptional professional recruiting networks, and a successful track record in lower middle-market investing. LFM partners with management teams to drive business value through a combination of manufacturing and operations excellence, world-class executive management, and targeted growth and expansion strategies. For additional information, please visit www.lfmcapital.com.